Curriculum

The school runs on a two-week timetable that covers 40 lessons, 75 minutes in length. 

Key Stage 3 Overview

Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum delivers a secure understanding of a broad range of subjects.  We aim to light the fire of intellectual curiosity and provide a base of knowledge that will serve students well no matter what their chosen pathway through education and life. 

At Key Stage Three we offer: 

English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish), History, Geography, Religious Studies, PSHE, Art & Design, Music, Design Technology, Food Technology, Computing, PE and Drama.

Reading is recognised as foundation of all student progress.  The aim of WHGS is to inculcate a love of reading in all students. We seek to provide them with the fundamental skills of decoding and inference. We seek to guide them on their selection of quality literature and nonfiction. We require students to become independent in their selection of what to read. We require students to develop the skills to think critically about what they are reading, in terms of content and style.

The breadth of our curriculum allows students to find and develop talents in subjects/activities that students may not have encountered before: drama, music, art, computing, PE and design technology.  The opportunity to take those talents to the next level is integral to what we do. Our enrichment programme widens this offer even further. 

Our careers guidance programme and support given throughout Key Stage 3 equips students to make the best choices of subjects to study through to Year 11 and beyond.  These choices are informed by students’ aspirations and the guidance provided at WHGS. 

Key Stage 4 Overview

Building on the firm foundations of Key Stage 3, the Key Stage 4 Curriculum has a common core with additional subjects chosen by students during the Options Process in Year 9.

All students study English Language, Literature and Mathematics to GCSE.  Biology, Chemistry and Physics are studied either through Combined Science or Triple Science depending on student performance.  

Students are then guided to choose the pathway containing a modern foreign language or one containing more vocational subjects. The subject choices are listed in our Choices at 14+ Booklet.

The subject choices provide qualifications that will open the doors to the next phase of learning.

PSHE is delivered during Assemblies and Form Time. 

Key Stage 5 Overview

Students typically study 3 subjects to A Level.

Please see the dedicated Sixth Form webpages for full details.

Further details about the curriculum at William Hulme’s Grammar School can be obtained through contacting the Assistant Principal (Curriculum) at the school (enquiries@whgs-academy.org or 0161 226 2054).